[RPG] Does a Magic Staff count as a magic weapon

combatdamage-resistancednd-5emagic-items

Many creatures have resistance to weapons that aren't "magic weapons". A Magic Staff can be used as a quarterstaff, but (usually) doesn't have a bonus to hit (a "plus"). Is it considered a Magic Weapon for the purpose of damage resistance?

Best Answer

Generally 'no', but many staves' descriptions specify 'yes'.

Three illustrative examples from the DMG:

Staff of Power: "This staff can be wielded as a magic quarterstaff that grants a +2 bonus...." (p.202) Typical +2 weapon, magical damage.

Staff of Charming: "The staff can also be used as a magic quarterstaff." (p.201) Clearly a magical weapon, but no pluses.

Staff of Fire: (p. 201) No mention of melee use. So the general rule on staves, from p.140 applies: "Unless a staff's description says otherwise, a staff can be used as a quarterstaff." So it can be used as a quarterstaff, but not as one that does magical damage (by omission).

(None of the DMG staves actually prohibit use as a quarterstaff, despite the general rule on p.140 contemplating this.)